Writing box with Chinese scholar's garden 1920 - 1930

This writing box, made by Tsuda Sokan around the turn of the 20th century, is a beautiful example of Japanese lacquerware. It's crafted using the technique of *shibuichi*, an alloy of copper and silver, which gives it that distinctive metallic sheen. What’s amazing here is the level of detail. Look closely, and you’ll see the intricate scene of a Chinese scholar's garden inlaid with mother-of-pearl and other precious materials. Each figure, tree, and architectural element is painstakingly rendered, showcasing the artist's skill and patience. The *shibuichi* itself would have taken considerable expertise to prepare and apply. The choice of materials isn't just aesthetic; it's also culturally significant. Lacquerware has a long history in Japan, often associated with luxury and refinement. By combining it with the imagery of Chinese scholars, Sokan is referencing a rich intellectual tradition. Appreciating this box means acknowledging the labor, skill, and cultural knowledge embedded within it, challenging any divide between art, craft, and design.